Franklin says she will continue to do select special events

DETROIT - Aretha Franklin told Local 4's Evrod Cassimy she plans to "retire" this year after the release of her new album.

"I must tell you, I am retiring this year," Franklin said.

Franklin said she is "exuberant" about her new album and
"can't wait to get in the studio." The album is expected to be released
in September, with a tour that includes only select dates. She won't
have more than one date planned per month, and the full tour will last
"maybe for six months."

Franklin spent 56 years as a legendary singer and songwriter.

"This will be my last year," Franklin said. "I will be recording, but this will be my last year in concert. This is it."

She's
not retiring completely. She said she will do "some select things, many
one a month, for six months out of the year." But she said her
grandchildren are leaving for college and she wants to spend time with
them.

Franklin said the announcement is bittersweet because "it's what I've done all of my life."

"I
feel very, very enriched and satisfied with respect to where my career
came from, and where it is now," Franklin said. "I'll be pretty much
satisfied, but I'm not going to go anywhere and just sit down and do
nothing. That wouldn't be good either."Comment by email:

Thanks Bill, I
have a real soft spot for her and the wonderful music she has done
over.......well....I have albums back to her Columbia days....and
before. Talent knows no limits! Working with Stevie Wonder....wow ..that
could be amazing and I cannot wait. Her legacy will live on in the same
way that it has done with the great classical composers. I am so glad
that contrary to rumours about her health, that she is embarking on such
an ambitious ‘retirement’ project. I just hope that the record
distribution gets the publicity it deserves. Kind regards